Spicy Honey Mongolian Beef

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

If you're craving something bold and a little adventurous, Spicy Honey Mongolian Beef is your ticket. With a perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory, it's a dish that's sure to impress whether it's a weeknight or a special occasion.

Ingredients for Spicy Honey Mongolian Beef

The star here is flank steak, known for its rich flavor and perfect texture when sliced thinly. Cornstarch gives the beef a nice crust and thickens the sauce. Our sauce base combines low-sodium soy sauce for that umami depth, honey for sweetness, and chili garlic sauce to bring in the heat. Vegetable oil is our cooking medium, while garlic and fresh ginger introduce warm, aromatic notes. Green onions add freshness, and red bell pepper contributes color and a slight sweetness. Sesame seeds finish it off with a nutty crunch.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crispy beef, let the cornstarch-coated strips sit for a few minutes before cooking.
  • If you like it really spicy, add an extra tablespoon of chili garlic sauce.
  • Use a very hot skillet to get a good sear on the beef without overcooking it.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Honey Mongolian Beef pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of mixed greens or alongside steamed broccoli for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin, but make sure to slice them thinly against the grain.
Is there a substitute for chili garlic sauce?
You can use Sriracha or a similar hot sauce but adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.

Spicy Honey Mongolian Beef Recipe Walkthrough

Start by slicing the flank steak into thin strips, ensuring you cut against the grain. This technique keeps the beef tender. Toss these strips in a bowl with cornstarch until they're evenly coated, which will help create a crispy exterior when cooked.

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, chili garlic sauce, and water. Set this aside so it's ready to go when you need it.

Heat up your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, add the steak strips in a single layer. You want to sear them until they’re browned, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them from the skillet once they're done.

In the same skillet, add the garlic, ginger, red bell pepper, and half of the green onions. Sauté these for about 2 minutes until they’re fragrant and the peppers have softened a bit.

Pour the sauce mixture you set aside earlier into the skillet. Bring it to a simmer, letting all those flavors meld together.

Return the steak strips to the skillet, stirring them into the sauce until they're well-coated. Cook everything together until the sauce thickens slightly, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Finally, sprinkle the remaining green onions and sesame seeds over the top before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Packs a punch of flavor with every bite.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients you might already have on hand.
  • Adjustable heat level to suit your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/4 cup water

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Slice the flank steak into thin strips against the grain.
2. Toss the steak strips with cornstarch in a bowl until evenly coated.
3. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, chili garlic sauce, and water; set aside.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Sear the steak strips until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side; remove from skillet.
6. In the same skillet, sauté garlic, ginger, red bell pepper, and half of the green onions for 2 minutes.
7. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
8. Return the steak strips to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce.
9. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
10. Garnish with remaining green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!